IF NO ONE told you about Freshly Baked Eatery, you probably wouldn't find it. So consider yourself told. Alongside St. James Park in downtown San Jose, Freshly Baked is tucked into the ground floor of a tall, brick office building (152 N. Third St.), the only clue to its existence being the blue and green canvas umbrella tables out front. During high noon, a line of legal types, bureaucrats and students stretches to the door, but don't be daunted. A personable and competent staff keeps the line moving, allowing diners time to scan the sandwich combinations on the wall, which are thoughtfully put together to spare meal-seekers the burden of choosing every single thing they want and don't want in life.

One picky tip: Be sure to ask for your sandwich on a freshly baked French roll--it's much better than the wheat bread and rye, which come from a bag. Otherwise, trust the combinations ($5.20-$5.50) these folks have put together using their own barbecued ham, roast beef, a variety of basted turkeys and even homemade salami. Sandwiches usually arrive on a still-warm roll accompanied by the eatery's trademark dill spear. Eat inside at the air-conditioned tables, out front or across the street in the never-boring St. James Park. Half a sandwich is enough for small appetites, so share with a friend or take it back to the office to win an instant popularity contest.